Rafael Van der Vaart, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, has expressed his doubts ahead of Arsenal vs Man City, questioning the former’s viability as serious title contenders and suggesting their recent mid-season blip may be a sign of things to come.
Manchester City can move ahead of Arsenal on goal difference with a victory this evening, but will have to try and dismantle a supremely well-organised, table-topping Gunners side who are yet to taste defeat on home soil.
However, two wins in their previous five has allowed second-placed City to chip away at their previously solid eight-point lead at the summit, and former Spurs maestro Rafael Van der Vaart believes this may well be the rumblings of an all out Citizens offensive.
Speaking to Ladbrokes ahead of this evening’s title showdown, the Dutchman said: “I think Arsenal are showing signs of slipping up.
“First of all I have to say Mikel Arteta is doing a fantastic job, and he’s brought some much-needed stability back to that club. The players love him and this is a result of all of those things coming together.
“But most of those guys aren’t used to the pressure that comes with a title race. That’s what they’re feeling now.
“They’ve had a run of games now without winning, and Manchester City have closed the gap. I just don’t think they’re the same anymore. Maybe I’m totally wrong; this is just my feeling.
Arsenal have been top of the table for the entirety of the Premier League season, winning 16 of their 21 games and reaching the 50-point milestone quicker than the unbeaten ‘Invincibles’ side of 2003/04.
🚨 Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey expected to miss tonight’s crucial top-of-the-table Premier League game against Man City. 29yo Ghana int’l has a muscular injury, although it is not thought to be serious. W/ @gunnerblog @TheAthleticFC #AFC #ARSMCI #MCFC https://t.co/DGzyrvF5Ik
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 15, 2023
However, with Manchester City creeping back into the fold and intent on keeping pace to retain their crown, and Erik Ten Hag’s enjoying a special debut season with title outsiders Manchester United, Van der Vaart believes it is turning into a three-horse race.
“If Manchester City and United can keep up their form, then I think it’s going to be really close at the end of the season between all three teams.
“Would I go as far as to say Arsenal have been found out a little? Maybe. I think the biggest shock at the beginning of the season was just how they played; they seemed to control every game, no matter who the opponent was, and that really surprised me.
“Football-wise, I think they’re right up there on the same level with City. But City are hunters, and when you’re hunting, you can sense any sign of an opportunity ahead of you – and that’s exactly what they’ve got right now, with Arsenal struggling.”
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